Saipan, CNMI – High school students from across the Northern Mariana Islands gathered on February 20–21 to compete in the annual NMI High School Mock Trial Competition, an event that challenges students to apply critical thinking, legal reasoning, and advocacy skills in a courtroom setting. The competition took place at Guma’ Hustisia, bringing together aspiring young legal minds in a spirited display of courtroom advocacy.
Organized by the Judiciary, in partnership with the Public School System, Judiciary Historical Society, and CNMI Bar Association, the mock trial competition is designed to give students a hands-on experience in the legal system. This year, seven teams represented Dr. Rita H. Inos Sr. High School, Kagman High School, Marianas High School, Saipan International School, Saipan Southern High School, and Tinian High School in the competition.
Ainsley P. Ancheta, a student competitor from Tinian High School, shared how energizing and inspiring the program has been. “This is my first Mock Trial Competition ever and I was genuinely afraid to compete against all these amazing people at first. Once we got into Guma’ Hustisia and I met everyone, I realized that the months of training I went through with my coach Lucia Blanco-Maratita and my team influenced how comfortable and how ready I was to compete. This was the first time I came to Saipan for something like this, and I was elated to be going up against so many talented students from across the Commonwealth.”
Teams competed as the prosecution and defense in the simulated criminal case Commonwealth v. Bobbie Taitano. Students assumed the roles of attorneys and witnesses, handling the alleged armed robbery of a Saipan bank by the defendant. Judges and experienced litigators served as evaluators, offering constructive feedback and scoring participants on their knowledge of the case, clarity of presentation, and ability to utilize real courtroom procedure and rules.
“It has been a joy to coach my students for the last three months,” said Assistant Attorney General Kassandra Knoff, who is coaching Saipan Southern High School. “The dedication, creativity, and intelligence they’ve demonstrated makes me proud to be a part of their journey. The legal system can be daunting, but guiding the next generation through their exploration has been so rewarding, and fun! I hope they get something meaningful from it. Who knows, maybe we have some future attorneys sharpening their brand-new skills here!”
Mock Trial Coordinator Judy T. Aldan added, “Significant preparation by everyone involved in this event has made it a success. The competition will conclude on Friday with the Championship Round and an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding performances, including Best Attorney and Best Witness awards. The winning team will then have the honor of representing the CNMI at the National High School Mock Trial Championship in Phoenix, Arizona in May 2025.”
The Judiciary extends gratitude to all participating students, teachers, coaches, and volunteer judges who made this event possible. Their commitment to civic education and the development of future leaders is instrumental in fostering a strong and engaged community.
The competition is open to the public, and the Judiciary encourages anyone interested to attend the Championship Round and Awards Ceremony at 8:30 am in the Supreme Court on Friday, February 21, 2025.
2025-PR-02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 20, 2025
This press release has been prepared by court staff for the convenience of the public. For further information, contact the Supreme Court at Supreme.Court@NMIJudiciary.gov
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